Beach Bonfires OK until End of Summer

Bonfires at Ocean Beach can continue throughout the summer season, because it would take at least several months to change the policy, a move that is still uncertain.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) has been taking public comments on whether or not to continue letting the public have bonfires at the beach. Currently, fires are restricted to the area west of Golden Gate Park, between Fulton Street and Lincoln Way. The decision will be made by Brian O'Neil, the superintendent of the GGNRA.

Currently, staff is compiling the results from its public comment period for the proposed change. It is hoped the results can be presented at a public meeting July 10, according to Rudy Evenson, GGNRA's Ocean Beach project manager.

Some of the problems at the beach, Evenson said, is debris left over after pallets and other wood objects are burned. The debris contains nails, creosote and other items that can cause health problems. Some residents living near the beach have complained about smoke, noise and rowdy people attending the bonfires.

Before O'Neil makes a decision concerning bonfires on the beach, there will be an internal meeting of GGNRA staff and a meeting with city officials to get their feedback, Evenson said. If he decides to change the beach fire policy, O'Neil would have to publicize his intentions in the Federal Register. After a 60-day comment period, O'Neil would have to publicize the proposed policy change and wait 30 days for the public to comment.

The SF Commission on the Environment passed a resolution calling for an end of the fires in January 2002.